I haven't read the book but looked through it (hastily though). It was pretty the same - like a slide version of the course.
You shouldn't expect some direct instructions about "how to do/achieve X" in this course/book, I would say. It's more like Brain 101 - A layman's guide on how to use it efficiently. I say "layman", because as you go through the course you realize how little you know about your own brain. It teaches you how to treat the brain, basically - it was the case for me at least (e.g. the real need for sleep, for one). It's not a some kind of deceptive self-help book (course), after all.
Besides, Barbara Oakley is not the only instructor of the course. Terrence Sejnowski[0] is also involved, who is an important figure in his field - Computational Neuroscience. He appears in some videos.
Last but not least, maybe following the video lectures would be more fun for you too. Barbara Oakley, such a lively and nice lady. I wrote her a "thank you" e-mail stating my appreciation for the course and not surprisingly, she replied kindly. I'd like to meet and have a conversation with her some day - but I'm thousands of kilometers (0.621 miles:) away.
I've done the course. What you are saying, regarding the techniques being "stuff you pick up in middle school" is patently false. If you don't like the style of course, just say so.
I would say that your approach to the book, and possibly your own learning, is misinformed. They talk about it on the course - the Einstellung effect: entrenched pathways inhibiting your way to new approaches. The techniques are practical, and cerebral musingdoesn't give you an insight on efficacy. You literally have to try it. Mini-testing and "daydream" methods for scraping your subconscious? Definitely not taught in middle school - or frankly, anywhere.
I own the book and have half-read it twice, it’s very underwhelming. At no point am I thinking “that’s going to change my way of doing X”